®

ISO
124
ISO124
ISO
124

Precision Lowest Cost

ISOLATION AMPLIFIER

FEATURES APPLICATIONS
● 100% TESTED FOR HIGH-VOLTAGE ● INDUSTRIAL PROCESS CONTROL:
BREAKDOWN Transducer Isolator, Isolator for Thermo-
● RATED 1500Vrms couples, RTDs, Pressure Bridges, and
Flow Meters, 4mA to 20mA Loop Isolation
● HIGH IMR: 140dB at 60Hz
● GROUND LOOP ELIMINATION
● 0.010% max NONLINEARITY
● MOTOR AND SCR CONTROL
● BIPOLAR OPERATION: VO = ±10V
● POWER MONITORING
● 16-PIN PLASTIC DIP AND 28-LEAD SOIC
● PC-BASED DATA ACQUISITION
● EASE OF USE: Fixed Unity Gain
Configuration ● TEST EQUIPMENT
● ±4.5V to ±18V SUPPLY RANGE

DESCRIPTION
The ISO124 is a precision isolation amplifier incor-
porating a novel duty cycle modulation-demodulation
technique. The signal is transmitted digitally across
a 2pF differential capacitive barrier. With digital modu-
lation the barrier characteristics do not affect signal VIN VOUT
integrity, resulting in excellent reliability and good high
frequency transient immunity across the barrier. Both
–VS2
barrier capacitors are imbedded in the plastic body of Gnd
the package. +VS2
The ISO124 is easy to use. No external components –VS1
are required for operation. The key specifications are Gnd
0.010% max nonlinearity, 50kHz signal bandwidth, +VS1
and 200µV/°C VOS drift. A power supply range of
±4.5V to ±18V and quiescent currents of ±5.0mA on
VS1 and ±5.5mA on VS2 make these amplifiers ideal
for a wide range of applications.
The ISO124 is available in 16-pin plastic DIP and 28-
lead plastic surface mount packages.

International Airport Industrial Park • Mailing Address: PO Box 11400, Tucson, AZ 85734 • Street Address: 6730 S. Tucson Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85706 • Tel: (520) 746-1111 • Twx: 910-952-1111
Internet: http://www.burr-brown.com/ • FAXLine: (800) 548-6133 (US/Canada Only) • Cable: BBRCORP • Telex: 066-6491 • FAX: (520) 889-1510 • Immediate Product Info: (800) 548-6132
®

©
1997 Burr-Brown Corporation 1
PDS-1405A ISO124
Printed in U.S.A. September, 1997
SPECIFICATIONS
At TA = +25°C , VS1 = VS2 = ±15V, and RL = 2kΩ, unless otherwise noted.

ISO124P, U

PARAMETER CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS

ISOLATION
Rated Voltage, continuous ac 60Hz 1500 Vac
100% Test (1) 1s, 5pc PD 2400 Vac
Isolation Mode Rejection 60Hz 140 dB
Barrier Impedance 1014 || 2 Ω || pF
Leakage Current at 60Hz VISO = 240Vrms 0.18 0.5 µArms

GAIN VO = ±10V
Nominal Gain 1 V/V
Gain Error ±0.05 ±0.50 %FSR
Gain vs Temperature ±10 ppm/°C
Nonlinearity(2) ±0.005 ±0.010 %FSR

INPUT OFFSET VOLTAGE

Initial Offset ±20 ±50 mV
vs Temperature ±200 µV/°C
vs Supply ±2 mV/V
Noise 4 µV/√Hz

INPUT
Voltage Range ±10 ±12.5 V
Resistance 200 kΩ
OUTPUT
Voltage Range ±10 ±12.5 V
Current Drive ±5 ±15 mA
Capacitive Load Drive 0.1 µF
Ripple Voltage(3) 20 mVp-p
FREQUENCY RESPONSE
Small Signal Bandwidth 50 kHz
Slew Rate 2 V/µs
Settling Time VO = ±10V
0.1% 50 µs
0.01% 350 µs
Overload Recovery Time 150 µs
POWER SUPPLIES
Rated Voltage ±15 V
Voltage Range ±4.5 ±18 V
Quiescent Current: VS1 ±5.0 ±7.0 mA
VS2 ±5.5 ±7.0 mA
TEMPERATURE RANGE
Specification –25 +85 °C
Operating –25 +85 °C
Storage –40 +85 °C
Thermal Resistance, θJA 100 °C/W
θJC 65 °C/W

NOTES: (1) Tested at 1.6 X rated, fail on 5pC partial discharge. (2) Nonlinearity is the peak deviation of the output voltage from the best-fit straight line. It is expressed
as the ratio of deviation to FSR. (3) Ripple frequency is at carrier frequency (500kHz).

The information provided herein is believed to be reliable; however, BURR-BROWN assumes no responsibility for inaccuracies or omissions. BURR-BROWN assumes
no responsibility for the use of this information, and all use of such information shall be entirely at the user’s own risk. Prices and specifications are subject to change
without notice. No patent rights or licenses to any of the circuits described herein are implied or granted to any third party. BURR-BROWN does not authorize or warrant
any BURR-BROWN product for use in life support devices and/or systems.

ISO124 2
CONNECTION DIAGRAM

Top View —P Package Top View—U Package

+VS1 1 16 Gnd +VS1 1 28 Gnd

–VS1 2 15 VIN –VS1 2 27 VIN

VOUT 7 10 –VS2 VOUT 13 16 –VS2

Gnd 8 9 +VS2 Gnd 14 15 +VS2

PACKAGE INFORMATION ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS(1)

PACKAGE DRAWING Supply Voltage ................................................................................... ±18V
PRODUCT PACKAGE NUMBER(1) VIN ......................................................................................................±100V
Continuous Isolation Voltage ..................................................... 1500Vrms
ISO124P 16-Pin Plastic DIP 238
Junction Temperature .................................................................... +150°C
ISO124U 28-Lead Plastic SOIC 217-1
Storage Temperature ....................................................................... +85°C
NOTE: (1) For detailed drawing and dimension table, please see end of data Lead Temperature (soldering, 10s) ................................................ +300°C
sheet, or Appendix C of Burr-Brown IC Data Book. Output Short to Common ......................................................... Continuous

NOTE: (1) Stresses above these ratings may cause permanent damage.

ORDERING INFORMATION

PRODUCT PACKAGE
NONLINEARITY
MAX %FSR
ELECTROSTATIC
ISO124P 16-Pin Plastic DIP ±0.010
DISCHARGE SENSITIVITY
ISO124U 28-Lead Plastic SOIC ±0.010
This integrated circuit can be damaged by ESD. Burr-Brown
recommends that all integrated circuits be handled with
appropriate precautions. Failure to observe proper handling
and installation procedures can cause damage.
ESD damage can range from subtle performance degrada-
tion to complete device failure. Precision integrated circuits
may be more susceptible to damage because very small
parametric changes could cause the device not to meet its
published specifications.

3 ISO124
TYPICAL PERFORMANCE CURVES
At TA = +25°C, and VS = ±15V, unless otherwise noted.

SINE RESPONSE SINE RESPONSE

(f = 2kHz) (f = 20kHz)

+10 +10
Output Voltage (V)

Output Voltage (V)

0 0

–10 –10

0 500 1000 0 50 100

Time (µs) Time (µs)

STEP RESPONSE STEP RESPONSE

+10 +10
Output Voltage (V)
Output Voltage (V)

0 0

–10 –10

0 500 1000 0 50 100

Time (µs) Time (µs)

ISOLATION VOLTAGE
vs FREQUENCY IMR vs FREQUENCY
160
Max DC Rating
2.1k 140
Peak Isolation Voltage

1k 120
Degraded
IMR (dB)

Performance
100

100 80
Typical
Performance 60

0 40
100 1k 10k 100k 1M 10M 100M 1 10 100 1k 10k 100k 1M
Frequency (Hz) Frequency (Hz)

ISO124 4
TYPICAL PERFORMANCE CURVES (CONT)
At TA = +25°C, and VS = ±15V, unless otherwise noted.

PSRR vs FREQUENCY ISOLATION LEAKAGE CURRENT vs FREQUENCY

60 100mA
54
10mA

Leakage Current (rms)

40 1mA
PSRR (dB)

+VS1, +VS2
1500Vrms
100µA
–VS1, –VS2
20 10µA
240Vrms
1µA

0 0.1µA
1 10 100 1k 10k 100k 1M 1 10 100 1k 10k 100k 1M
Frequency (Hz) Frequency (Hz)

SIGNAL RESPONSE TO
INPUTS GREATER THAN 250kHz

100kHz
VOUT/VIN Frequency
0 Out 250
VOUT/VIN (dBm)

Frequency Out
–10 200

–20 150

–30 100

–40 50

0 500k 1M 1.5M
Input Frequency (Hz)
(NOTE: Shaded area shows aliasing frequencies that
cannot be removed by a low-pass filter at the output.)

5 ISO124
THEORY OF OPERATION
The ISO124 isolation amplifier uses an input and an output
section galvanically isolated by matched 1pF isolating ca-
pacitors built into the plastic package. The input is duty-
cycle modulated and transmitted digitally across the barrier.
The output section receives the modulated signal, converts it
back to an analog voltage and removes the ripple component
inherent in the demodulation. Input and output sections are
fabricated, then laser trimmed for exceptional circuitry match-
ing common to both input and output sections. The sections
are then mounted on opposite ends of the package with the
isolating capacitors mounted between the two sections. The
transistor count of the ISO124 is 250 transistors.
MODULATOR
An input amplifier (A1, Figure 1) integrates the difference
between the input current (VIN/200kΩ) and a switched
±100µA current source. This current source is implemented
by a switchable 200µA source and a fixed 100µA current
sink. To understand the basic operation of the modulator,
assume that VIN = 0.0V. The integrator will ramp in one
direction until the comparator threshold is exceeded. The
comparator and sense amp will force the current source to
switch; the resultant signal is a triangular waveform with a
50% duty cycle. The internal oscillator forces the current
source to switch at 500kHz. The resultant capacitor drive is
a complementary duty-cycle modulation square wave.
DEMODULATOR
The sense amplifier detects the signal transitions across the
capacitive barrier and drives a switched current source into
integrator A2. The output stage balances the duty-cycle
200µA
1pF
1pF
Sense
100µA
200kΩ 150pF
VIN
A1
Osc
+VS1 Gnd 1 –VS1
FIGURE 1. Block Diagram.
ISO124
modulated current against the feedback current through the
200kΩ feedback resistor, resulting in an average value at the
VOUT pin equal to VIN. The sample and hold amplifiers in the
output feedback loop serve to remove undesired ripple
voltages inherent in the demodulation process.
BASIC OPERATION
SIGNAL AND SUPPLY CONNECTIONS
Each power supply pin should be bypassed with 1µF tantalum
capacitors located as close to the amplifier as possible. The
internal frequency of the modulator/demodulator is set at
500kHz by an internal oscillator. Therefore, if it is desired to
minimize any feedthrough noise (beat frequencies) from a
DC/DC converter, use a π filter on the supplies (see Figure 4).
ISO124 output has a 500kHz ripple of 20mV, which can be
removed with a simple two pole low-pass filter with a
100kHz cutoff using a low cost op amp (see Figure 4).
The input to the modulator is a current (set by the 200kΩ
integrator input resistor) that makes it possible to have an
input voltage greater than the input supplies, as long as the
output supply is at least ±15V. It is therefore possible when
using an unregulated DC/DC converter to minimize PSR
related output errors with ±5V voltage regulators on the
isolated side and still get the full ±10V input and output
swing. An example of this application is shown in Figure 9.
CARRIER FREQUENCY CONSIDERATIONS
The ISO124 amplifier transmits the signal across the isola-
tion barrier by a 500kHz duty cycle modulation technique.
For input signals having frequencies below 250kHz, this
system works like any linear amplifier. But for frequencies
Isolation Barrier
200µA
1pF
1pF 100µA
Sense
150pF 200kΩ
VOUT
A2
S/H S/H
G=1 G=6
+VS2 Gnd 2 –VS2
6
above 250kHz, the behavior is similar to that of a sampling
amplifier. The signal response to inputs greater than 250kHz
performance curve shows this behavior graphically; at input
frequencies above 250kHz the device generates an output
signal component of reduced magnitude at a frequency
below 250kHz. This is the aliasing effect of sampling at
frequencies less than 2 times the signal frequency (the
Nyquist frequency). Note that at the carrier frequency and its
harmonics, both the frequency and amplitude of the aliasing
go to zero.
ISOLATION MODE VOLTAGE INDUCED ERRORS
IMV can induce errors at the output as indicated by the plots of
IMV vs Frequency. It should be noted that if the IMV frequency
exceeds 250kHz, the output also will display spurious outputs
(aliasing) in a manner similar to that for VIN >250kHz and the
amplifier response will be identical to that shown in the “Signal
Response to Inputs Greater Than 250kHz” typical performance
curve. This occurs because IMV-induced errors behave like input-
referred error signals. To predict the total error, divide the isolation
voltage by the IMR shown in the “IMR versus Frequency” typical
performance curve and compute the amplifier response to this
input-referred error signal from the data given in the “Signal
Response to Inputs Greater Than 250kHz” typical performance
curve. For example, if a 800kHz 1000Vrms IMR is present, then
a total of [(–60dB) + (–30dB)] x (1000V) = 32mV error signal at
200kHz plus a 1V, 800kHz error signal will be present at the
output.
HIGH IMV dV/dt ERRORS
As the IMV frequency increases and the dV/dt exceeds
1000V/µs, the sense amp may start to false trigger, and the
output will display spurious errors. The common-mode
current being sent across the barrier by the high slew rate is
the cause of the false triggering of the sense amplifier.
Lowering the power supply voltages below ±15V may
decrease the dV/dt to 500V/µs for typical performance.
Isolation Barrier
VIN ISO124
–VS2
Gnd
Gnd +VS2
–VS1
+VS1
±VS1 ±VS2
1µF 1µF 1µF 1µF
FIGURE 2. Basic Signal and Power Connections.
HIGH VOLTAGE TESTING
Burr-Brown Corporation has adopted a partial discharge test
criterion that conforms to the German VDE0884 Optocou-
pler Standards. This method requires the measurement of
minute current pulses (<5pC) while applying 2400Vrms,
60Hz high voltage stress across every ISO124 isolation
barrier. No partial discharge may be initiated to pass
this test. This criterion confirms transient overvoltage
(1.6 x 1500Vrms) protection without damage to the ISO124.
Lifetest results verify the absence of failure under continu-
ous rated voltage and maximum temperature.
This new test method represents the “state-of-the art” for
non-destructive high voltage reliability testing. It is based on
the effects of non-uniform fields that exist in heterogeneous
dielectric material during barrier degradation. In the case of
void non-uniformities, electric field stress begins to ionize
the void region before bridging the entire high voltage
barrier. The transient conduction of charge during and after
the ionization can be detected externally as a burst of 0.01-
0.1µs current pulses that repeat on each ac voltage cycle.
The minimum ac barrier voltage that initiates partial dis-
charge is defined as the “inception voltage.” Decreasing the
barrier voltage to a lower level is required before partial
discharge ceases and is defined as the “extinction voltage.”
We have characterized and developed the package insulation
processes to yield an inception voltage in excess of 2400Vrms
so that transient overvoltages below this level will not
damage the ISO124. The extinction voltage is above
1500Vrms so that even overvoltage induced partial dis-
charge will cease once the barrier voltage is reduced to the
1500Vrms (rated) level. Older high voltage test methods
relied on applying a large enough overvoltage (above rating)
to break down marginal parts, but not so high as to damage
good ones. Our new partial discharge testing gives us more
confidence in barrier reliability than breakdown/no break-
down criteria.
A0
ISO150 A1
+15V –15V +15V –15V
VOUT
1
2
1 9
6
2 10
7 15 15 7
VIN PGA102 ISO124 VOUT
8
5 8
4
3
16
FIGURE 3. Programmable-Gain Isolation Channel with
Gains of 1, 10, and 100.
®
7 ISO124
 C2
1000pF
Isolation Barrier

R1 R2
OPA237 VOUT = VIN
4.75kΩ 9.76kΩ
VIN ISO124
–VS2
+VS2 C1
220pF

Gnd1 Gnd2

–VS1

+VS1 10µH 10µH

±VS1
10µH 10µH
±VS2

1µF 1µF

1µF 1µF 1µF 1µF 1µF 1µF

FIGURE 4. Optional π Filter to Minimize Power Supply Feedthrough Noise; Output Filter to Remove 500kHz Carrier Ripple.
For more information concerning output filter refer to AB-023 and AB-034.

This Section Repeated 49 Times.

ISO124

10kΩ +V
1
e1 = 12V e1
9 V=
10kΩ 7 2
15
8
10
e2 = 12V 2
16 –V
Multiplexer

Charge/Discharge Control
Control
Section

ISO124
+V –V

+V 7 4
e49 = 12V 1
15 INA105
9 25kΩ 25kΩ
7
e50 = 12V 10kΩ 8 2 5
10
2
10kΩ 16 6
–V 25kΩ
e50
3 V=
2
1
25kΩ

FIGURE 5. Battery Monitor for a 600V Battery Power System. (Derives input power from the battery.)

ISO124 8
 +15V

2
10.0V 6 4
REF102
Thermocouple
R4 +15V –15V +15V –15V
R1
27kΩ +15V

Isothermal 2 1
Block with 7 2
ISO124
1N4148(1) +In
9
1 INA114 6 15 10 7
RG or VOUT
8 INA128 5 8
R2
1MΩ –In
4
16
3
R3 R5
100Ω 50Ω
–15V
SEEBACK
R6 100 ISA COEFFICIENT R2 R4
Zero Adj TYPE MATERIAL (µV/°C) (R3 = 100Ω) (R5 + R6 = 100Ω)

Chromel
E Constantan 58.5 3.48kΩ 56.2kΩ
Iron
Ground Loop Through Conduit J Constantan 50.2 4.12kΩ 64.9kΩ
Chromel
NOTE: (1) –2.1mV/°C at 2.00µA. K Alumel 39.4 5.23kΩ 80.6kΩ
Copper
T Constantan 38.0 5.49kΩ 84.5kΩ

FIGURE 6. Thermocouple Amplifier with Ground Loop Elimination, Cold Junction Compensation, and Up-scale Burn-out.

1
13 14 10 4-20mA
0.8mA 0.8mA
3 +VS = 15V on PWS740
RG XTR105 0.01µF
4 ISO124
16
7 +V
2 3 1
6 15
RTD 14 15
RZ(1) 2 RCV420 9
(PT100) VOUT
7
10 5, 13
RCM 4 8 0V - 5V
1kΩ 11 10
12 2
16
1.6mA –V

Gnd
–VS = –15V
NOTE: (1) RZ = RTD resistance at minimum measured temperature. on PWS740

FIGURE 7. Isolated 4-20mA Instrument Loop. (RTD shown.)

9 ISO124
 RS

V+
RD1
VL Load IL 2kΩ 10kΩ

®
RD2 2
6
2kΩ OPA237 (V1)
3

ISO124
V1
IL =
10RS
16
0.01µF

15 7
ISO124
8
V+ 10
2
1 V–
9
0.47µF
15 7
ISO124 0.47µF
8
10 0.47µF XY

10
16 10
2
1 V– 1 2 5 6 7
0.47µF X
(V2)
MPY634 PL = V2 (RD1 + RD2)
0.47µF DCP011515 RS RD2
Y

1 2 5 6 7
(V3)
VL = V3 (RD1 + RD2)
DCP011515 RD2

0.47µF

FIGURE 8. Isolated Power Line Monitor.

 +15V

VIN, up to 9
±10V Swing 7
ISO124 VOUT
8
10
2
16
1
–15V

0.1µF 0.1µF
+5V –5V
Regulator Regulator
1 3
MC78L05 MC79L05
2 1

0.47µF
3 2

0.47µF 0.47µF

7 6 5 2 1

DCP011515

NOTE: The input supplies can be subregulated to ±5V to reduce

PSR related errors without reducing the ±10V input range.

FIGURE 9. Improved PSR Using External Regulator.

VS1 (+15V)

7
VS INPUT RANGE INA105
(V) (V)(1) Difference Amp
20+ –2 to +10 2 5 10kΩ +VS2 (+15V)
15 –2 to +5
R1 R2
12 –2 to +2 1

6 15 In 9

7
ISO124 VOUT = VIN
(1)
Signal Source R3 R4 RC 8
3 1 Gnd
VIN
16
RS 10 Com 2
+
4 Reference 2
IN4689
–VS1 –VS2 (–15V)
5.1V

NOTE: (1) Select to match RS . NOTE: Since the amplifier is unity gain, the input
range is also the output range. The output can go
to –2V since the output section of the ISO amp
operates from dual supplies.

FIGURE 10. Single Supply Operation of the ISO124 Isolation Amplifier. For additional information refer to AB-009.
®

11 ISO124
 1 2 5 6 7

DCP011515

0.47µF 0.47µF

0.47µF

VIN –15V, 20mA

Input +15V, 20mA

Gnd 16 15 10 9
Auxiliary
Gnd VIN V– V+ Isolated
Power
Output
INPUT OUTPUT
SECTION ISO124 SECTION

V+ V– VO Gnd
1 2 7 8 Output
+15V Gnd

–15V VO

FIGURE 11. Input-Side Powered ISO Amp.

+15V Gnd

1 2 5 6 7

DCP011515 DCP011515

7 6 5 2 1

0.47µF 0.47µF 0.47µF

0.47µF 0.47µF

VIN –15V, 20mA

Input +15V, 20mA

Gnd 16 15 10 9
Auxiliary
Gnd VIN V– V+ Isolated
Power
Output
INPUT OUTPUT
SECTION ISO124 SECTION
Auxiliary
Isolated
Power V+ V– VO Gnd
Output
1 2 7 8 Output
+15V, 20mA Gnd

–15V, 20mA VO

FIGURE 12. Powered ISO Amp with Three-Port Isolation.

ISO124 12